In-line skates, frame assemblies and assemblies for modifying in-line skates

ABSTRACT

In-line skates, frame assemblies and assemblies for modifying in-line skates are provided. A representative assembly for modifying an in-line skate includes a grinding member configured for removable attachment to an in-line skate frame. The grinding member has a grinding sidewall and a grinding base, with the grinding base extending outwardly from the grinding sidewall. When the grinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewall is positioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the first sidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first and second sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisionalapplication entitled, “Functional Frame Concept for Use on In-Line SkateFrame,” having Ser. No. 60/720,656, filed Sep. 26, 2005, which isentirely incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure generally relates to the field of in-line skating.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Over the past several decades, in-line skating has virtually replacedroller skating in popularity. Recently, an offshoot of in-line skating,known as aggressive in-line skating, has developed. Aggressive in-lineskating involves, as the term implies, aggressive skating moves thattend to apply relatively high forces to the in-line skates. By way ofexample, it is commonplace in aggressive in-line skating to performjumps and other maneuvers, such as “grinding.” Grinding causes the skateto scrape against a surface. For instance, a typical grinding move caninvolve sliding the skate along a surface, such as a horizontallyoriented pole. Notably, the exterior surface of the skate, e.g., theexterior of the frame that is used to attach the wheels to the boot ofthe skate, typically becomes abraded due to grinding. Eventually,activities such as grinding tend to cause failure, e.g., cracking, ofthe skate frame.

In this regard, a conventional skate frame is a one-piece structureformed of a material that is selected either for providing high strengthor improved grinding performance. Unfortunately, those materials thatare capable of providing high strength typically do not provide adequategrinding performance and vice versa. Therefore, skaters have been forcedto choose between a frame that is either strong enough to last, whileproviding poor grinding performance, or a frame that is generally weakerbut provides better grinding performance.

SUMMARY

In this regard, in-line skates, frame assemblies and assemblies formodifying in-line skates are provided. An exemplary embodiment of suchan in-line skate comprises a boot, a frame, axles, wheels and a grindingmember. The boot has a bottom portion. The frame is attached to thebottom portion of the boot, with the frame having first and secondsidewalls, a top wall and a bottom. The first and second sidewalls arespaced from each other, with the top wall extending between thesidewalls. The top wall is attached to the boot. The axles extendbetween the first and second sidewalls and the wheels are rotatablymounted to the axles such that at least a portion of each of the wheelsis located between the first and second sidewalls. The grinding memberis removably attached to the frame, with the grinding member having agrinding sidewall, a grinding base and mounting holes. The grinding baseextends from the grinding sidewall, with the mounting holes beinglocated in the grinding sidewall and being positioned such that thegrinding member is attached to the frame by mounts that are insertedthrough the mounting holes and which support the axles. When thegrinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewall ispositioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the firstsidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first andsecond sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.

An embodiment of a frame assembly for use with an in-line skatecomprises a frame and a grinding member. The frame is configured forattachment to a bottom portion of the boot, with the frame having firstand second sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom. The first and secondsidewalls are spaced from each other, with the top wall extendingbetween the sidewalls. The grinding member is removably attached to theframe, with the grinding member having a grinding sidewall and agrinding base. The grinding base extends outwardly from the grindingsidewall. When the grinding member is attached to the frame, thegrinding sidewall is positioned in an overlying relationship withrespect to the first sidewall of the frame and the grinding base spansbetween the first and second sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.

Another embodiment of a frame assembly comprises a frame and a removablereinforcing member. The frame is configured for attachment to the bottomportion of the boot, with the frame having first and second sidewalls, atop wall and a bottom. The first and second sidewalls are spaced fromeach other. The top wall extends between the sidewalls and has framemounting holes extending from an outside surface of the top wall to aninner surface of the top wall, the frame mounting holes being sized andshaped to receive bolts for securing the boot to the frame. Theremovable reinforcing member has a bolt mounting hole formedtherethrough and is located on the inner surface of the top wall suchthat, when a bolt is inserted through the bolt mounting hole and one ofthe frame mounting holes of the top wall, the bolt mounting hole isaligned with the one of the frame mounting holes.

An embodiment of an assembly for modifying an in-line skate comprises agrinding member configured for removable attachment to an in-line skateframe. The grinding member has a grinding sidewall and a grinding base,with the grinding base extending outwardly from the grinding sidewall.When the grinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewallis positioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the firstsidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first andsecond sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.

Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will be or may becomeapparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the followingdrawings and detailed description. It is intended that all suchadditional systems, methods, features and/or advantages be includedwithin this description and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative toeach other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an in-line skate, withthe boot being shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the embodiment of the frameassembly depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the frame assembly depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIGS. 1-3 shown inan assembled configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the frame depicted inFIGS. 1-4, showing the other side.

FIGS. 6-8 depict various views of the embodiment of the grinding memberof FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removablesidewall.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a frame assembly.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10,showing the underside.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and11, showing the other side.

FIG. 13-18 depict alternative embodiments of a grinding member.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a frameassembly.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one of the removable sidewalls of theembodiment of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an underside perspective view of another embodiment of aframe assembly.

FIG. 22 is an underside perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22,with the reinforcing members removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As will be described in detail with reference to several exemplaryembodiments, in-line skates, frame assemblies and assembly for modifyingin-line skates are provided that may be able to accommodate the desirefor a high strength frame while providing improved grinding performance.In some embodiments, this is accomplished by providing replaceablecomponents that exhibit desired material characteristics. By way ofexample, in some embodiments, reinforcing components (referred to hereinas “removable sidewalls”) that are formed of metal can be attached tothe sidewalls of a frame in order to strengthen the frame. Additionallyor alternatively some embodiments incorporate a grinding member that isattached to a frame for providing a preferred plastic surface forgrinding.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment ofan in-line skate 100 that incorporates a boot 102, the bottom portion ofwhich is attached to a frame assembly 104. In this regard, the varioussub-components of the frame assembly are shown in greater detail inFIGS. 2-5.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame assembly includes aframe member 106 that supports the wheels, e.g., wheel 108, and thatattaches the frame assembly to the boot. The embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1-5 also includes first and second removable sidewalls 110, 112and a grinding member 114.

In general, the frame includes first and second sidewalls 116, 118, anda top wall 120 that extends between the first and second sidewalls sothat the sidewalls are spaced from each other. Access holes, e.g.,access hole 122, are located in the sidewalls of the frame. Acorresponding pair of mounting holes, i.e., one of the holes of thefirst sidewall and an opposing holes of the second sidewall, can receivea mount and axle assembly for supporting a wheel. Notably, the frame canbe formed of various materials.

The first and second removable sidewalls 110, 112 are configured toattach to the first and second sidewalls of the frame, 116, 118,respectively. Preferably, the first and second removable sidewalls areformed of metal so that these components increase the overall strengthand durability of the frame assembly. Notably, however, metal istypically not considered a suitable material for facilitating grinding.That is, the hard metal surface does not provide suitable frictionalengagement with an object that metal surface contacts, e.g., a metalrail, thereby tending to give a user of the in-line skate an awkwardfeel during grinding. Additionally, such a metal surface also tends todamage the object that the metal surface engages during grinding.

In this regard, the grinding member 114, which is attached outboard ofthe first removable sidewall, tends to cover a substantial portion ofthe metal of the first removable sidewall and provides a highlydesirable surface upon which grinding can be performed. Specifically,the grinding member incorporates a grinding sidewall 130 and a grindingbase 132, which extends between the first and second sidewalls of theframe along the bottom of the frame. As such, the grinding base islocated between at least two of the wheels of the in-line skate andprovides an intermediate lower surface upon which grinding can beperformed. Also note that, in this embodiment, the grinding baseincorporates a lip 134 along its distal end that engages the secondremovable sidewall. Thus, at least a portion of the side of the frameassembly that opposes the grinding sidewall has an appropriatelyconfigured grinding surface, i.e., the lip.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 3, the frame includes various recessesthat are sized and shaped to receive various corresponding features ofthe first and second removable sidewalls. In particular, the first andsecond sidewalls of the frame include a recesses 140, 142, each of whichis sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a correspondingremovable sidewall. Additionally, the top of the frame includes recesses144, 146 that are configured to receive corresponding upper extensions147, 148 of the removable sidewalls. Notably, since the first and secondsidewalls typically are formed of metal, each the upper extension notonly tends to strengthen its respective sidewall but also tends toprovide additional structural support for the frame.

Sidewalls of the frame include the aforementioned pairs of access holesthat are adapted to receive wheel spacers, e.g., wheel spacer 150. Thewheel spacers are located on inner surfaces of the removable sidewalls.In this embodiment, the wheel spacers include a generally cylindricalbase and a conical portion that terminates in a flattened end.

When mounted to the frame, the wheel spacers extend into the accessholes (and any corresponding holes in the grinding member) and protrudeinto the interior of the frame so that the flattened end contacts thewheel. This tends to center the wheels between the sidewalls of theframe and prevents the wheels from contacting the inner surfaces of thesidewalls of the frame.

A frame assembly is depicted in an assembled configuration in FIG. 4, inwhich it is clearly shown that, in this embodiment, the recesses in thetop of the frame enable the upper extensions to be flush mounted. Alsonote that the number of parts required to maintain the frame assembly inthis configuration are minimized, as the components required formounting the wheels to the frame also are used to secure the removablesidewalls and the grinding member to the frame.

FIG. 5 also depicts the frame assembly in an assembled configuration.However, this view shows the lip of the grinding base engaging thesecond sidewall of the frame. Note also that, in this embodiment, thesecond removable sidewall is flush mounted with respect to the secondsidewall of the frame.

FIGS. 6-8 depict the embodiment of the grinding member shown in FIGS.1-5 in more detail. In particular, FIGS. 6-8 depict the grindingsidewall and the grinding base extending therefrom. In this embodiment,the grinding sidewall incorporates various cut-outs, e.g., cut-out 152,that can be incorporated for reducing overall weight of the grindingmember. Additionally, the grinding member includes mounting holesthrough which the components that are used to mount the grinding memberto the frame are inserted. In this regard, component usage can beminimized, as the components used to attach the grinding member to theframe can be the same components that are used to support the wheels.Specifically, these components can include a bearing and an axle intowhich a mounting bolt is inserted. If such an assembly is used, the headof the mounting bolt can be used to engage an exterior surface of thegrinding sidewall in order to attach the grinding sidewall to the frame.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the grinding base 132 is configured as agenerally h-shaped component that has a lip 134 located at its distalend. The grinding base extends generally perpendicular to the grindingsidewall 130 and the lip extends outwardly from the base in a directiongenerally parallel to the grinding sidewall. In this manner, the lipprovides an additional surface located on an inside of the in-line skateupon which grinding can be performed.

FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of a removable sidewall. In thisregard, removable sidewall 160 includes an upper extension 162 thatextends outwardly from the substantially planar portion 164. Note that,in contrast to the previous embodiment, the lower edge 166 incorporatesan extended arch 168. Thus, various shapes of removable sidewalls can beused.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, an embodiment of a frame assembly isdepicted that incorporates a frame 200 and a grinding member 202 butexcludes use of first and second removable sidewalls. Notably, in suchan embodiment, the frame may be formed of a suitably strong materialsuch that reinforcement by the use of removable sidewalls is notnecessary. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the grinding membertypically is made of a material, such as plastic, that is consideredsuitable for grinding. In this regard, when the grinding member hasabrade substantially and/or has otherwise degraded in shape and/orperformance, the grinding member can be removed and replaced withanother grinding member.

As shown in FIG. 11, the grinding member 202 incorporates a grindingbase 204 that extends between the first and second sidewalls 206, 208 ofthe frame along the bottom of the frame. Notably, the grinding portionincorporates lateral extensions 203, 205 that extend along the sidewall208. Specifically, each of the lateral extensions surrounds at least ofthe holes through which an axle is mounted for attaching a wheel (notshown). In this embodiment, each of the lateral extensions surrounds onesuch hole, thereby providing structural reinforcement for mounting theaxle and/or securing the grinding base to the sidewall. Each of thelateral extensions in this embodiment also is received within acorresponding recess 207, 209 so that the extensions are flush mountedwith respect to the inner surface of the sidewall.

In FIG. 12, the grinding base is shown terminating in a lip 210 thatengages the second sidewall, thereby providing a grinding surface on aninside of the in-line skate.

As shown in FIG. 13, another embodiment of a grinding member isdepicted. In particular, grinding member 220 incorporates a generallyh-shaped grinding base 222 that has an intermediate portion 224 with araised inner section 226. As shown in FIG. 13, the intermediate portionextends between a proximal end portion 228 and a distal end portion 230.The proximal end portion extends beyond the side edges 232, 234 of theintermediate portion. The distal end portion includes a lip for engaginga second sidewall of a frame member. Notably, the distal end portion inthis embodiment extends beyond the side edges of the intermediateportion. Note also that the grinding sidewall 236 does not incorporateany cut-outs.

Another embodiment of a grinding member is depicted in FIG. 14. As shownin FIG. 14, grinding member 240 incorporates a grinding sidewall 242from which a grinding base 244 extends. In this embodiment, the lowergrinding surface 246 of the grinding base incorporates a raised innersection 248 that is surrounded by chamfered edges, e.g., edge 250. Adistal end portion 252 extends from the intermediate portion andgenerally parallel to the grinding sidewall. Much like the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 13, this distal end portion incorporates a lip 254,with opposing side edges 256, 258 of the distal end portion extendingbeyond the opposing side edges 260, 262 of the intermediate portion. Incontrast, the grinding member 270 of FIG. 15 does not incorporate a lipor a distal end portion that extends beyond the periphery of theintermediate portion 272.

In the embodiment of FIG. 16, grinding member 280 incorporates agrinding base 282 that generally extends along a substantial portion ofthe length of grinding sidewall 284. In this regard, the intermediateportion 286 of the grinding base incorporates a generally curved shape,whereas the flanking portions 288, 290 are generally flattened andparallel to a lower edge 292 of the grinding sidewall.

In contrast, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 17 incorporates raisedinner portions 294, 296 of the flanking portions 298, 300. These raisedinner portions are surrounded by chamfered edges, e.g., edge 302. Asanother point of contrast, the embodiment of FIG. 18 incorporates agrinding base 320 that has a simple curved surface 322 for a grindingsurface and does not incorporate a lip.

FIG. 19 depicts another embodiment of a frame assembly. In particular,frame assembly 340 incorporates a frame 342 that includes opposing firstand second sidewalls 344, 346. The sidewalls of the frame are spacedfrom each other by a top wall (not shown) and which are interconnectedat a bottom of the frame by a grinding wall 348. Thus, in thisembodiment, the frame itself incorporates a lower grinding surface.

As mentioned before some frames may be suitable for grinding but maylack the strength and resilience necessary for enduring aggressiveskating techniques. In this regard, the embodiment of FIG. 19incorporates removable sidewalls 350, 352. Note that two additionalremovable sidewalls are located on the side of the frame not depicted inFIG. 19.

In this embodiment, more than one removable sidewall can be attached toa single sidewall of the frame—in this case, two attached to each of thesidewalls of the frame. Preferably, each of the removable sidewallsspans and is, therefore, mounted to two or more access holes (e.g.,access holes 354, 356) that are used for mounting wheel assemblies. Asthese removable sidewalls tend to be formed of material, e.g., metal,that is stronger than the material used for forming the frame, attachingthese removable sidewalls to the frame tends to improve the overallstrength of the frame.

FIG. 20 depicts an inside surface 360 of removable sidewall 350. In thisregard, the inner surface of the removable sidewall includes wheelspacers 362, 364 that are configured to extend into the access holes ofthe frame. These wheel spacers tend to prevent the wheels fromcontacting the inner surface of the sidewalls of the frame and tend toprovide added structural support to the wheel assembly itself.

FIG. 21 depicts an underside of another embodiment of a frame assembly.As shown in FIG. 21, the frame assembly 360 incorporates a top wall 362that extends between sidewalls 364 and 366. The top wall includes framemounting holes 370, 372, which can be seen more clearly in FIG. 22.Removable reinforcing members 374, 376 also are provided that arelocated at the inner surface of the top wall. The reinforcing members374, 376 typically are formed of metal or other materials that canstrengthen the locations where the boot attaches to the frame.

In this regard, the reinforcing members include bolt mounting holes 380,382. Note that when a bolt (not shown) is inserted through a boltmounting hole and a corresponding one of the frame mounting holes, thebolt mounting hole is aligned with the frame mounting hole.

The embodiment of FIG. 21 also incorporates beveled surfaces fordefining at least a portion of each of the bolt mounting holes. This isone of several configurations that can be used to ensure flush mountingof the head of a bolt that is used to attach a boot to the frame.

In FIG. 22, it can be seen that the frame mounting holes are larger indiameter than the bolt mounting holes of the reinforcing members. Thisconfiguration creates a recess on the outer surface of the top wall thatcan receive a corresponding protrusion on the bottom portion of a bootthat is to be mounted to the frame.

Additional recesses 384, 386 are located on the inner surface of the topwall. These recesses enable flush mounting of the reinforcing memberswith the inner surface of the top wall.

It should be noted that use of en embodiment such as that depicted inFIGS. 21 and 22 can enable the wheels to be located on the frame invirtual disregard of the position of the bolts that are used to mountthe frame to the boot. This is because the head of the bolt can be flushmounted with respect to the inner surface of the top wall and therefore,should not interfere with the wheels.

The various components for forming an in-line skate, such as theembodiments described herein, can be provided as aftermarket componentsfor replacement and/or modification of corresponding components on otherskates. As such, consumer costs can be reduced by enabling such aconsumer to replace those parts that wear out instead of having topurchase an entire skate. Additionally or alternatively, various ones orcombinations of such components can be provided as sets, e.g., frameassemblies and complete skates.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may bemade to the above-described embodiments and that all elements recited inthe claims are optional. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

1. An in-line skate comprising: a boot having a bottom portion; a frameattached to the bottom portion of the boot, the frame having first andsecond sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom, the first and secondsidewalls being spaced from each other, the top wall extending betweenthe sidewalls, the top wall being attached to the boot; axles extendingbetween the first and second sidewalls; wheels rotatably mounted to theaxles such that at least a portion of each of the wheels is locatedbetween the first and second sidewalls; a grinding member removablyattached to the frame, the grinding member having a grinding sidewall, agrinding base and mounting holes, the grinding base extending from thegrinding sidewall, the mounting holes being located in the grindingsidewall and being positioned such that the grinding member is attachedto the frame by axles, the axles being inserted through the mountingholes and supporting the wheels; wherein, when the grinding member isattached to the frame, the grinding sidewall is positioned in anoverlying relationship with respect to the first sidewall of the frameand the grinding base spans between the first and second sidewalls alongthe bottom of the frame.
 2. The skate of claim 1, further comprising afirst removable sidewall located between the first sidewall of the frameand the grinding sidewall.
 3. The skate of claim 2, wherein the firstremovable sidewall is formed of metal and the grinding member is formedof plastic.
 4. The skate of claim 2, further comprising a secondremovable sidewall attached to the frame adjacent the second sidewall ofthe frame such that the frame is positioned between the a firstremovable sidewall and the second removable sidewall.
 5. The skate ofclaim 2, wherein: the first sidewall of the frame has access holesthrough which the axles are inserted to support the wheels; and thefirst removable sidewall has an inner surface and wheel spacers, theinner surface being oriented toward the frame, the wheel spacersextending outwardly from the inner surface and being sized and shaped toextend through the access holes such that the wheel spacers prevent thewheels from contacting the frame.
 6. A frame assembly for use with anin-line skate, the in-line skate having a boot and axle-mounted wheels,said frame assembly comprising: a frame configured for attachment to abottom portion of the boot, the frame having first and second sidewalls,a top wall and a bottom, the first and second sidewalls being spacedfrom each other, the top wall extending between the sidewalls; and agrinding member removably attached to the frame, the grinding memberhaving a grinding sidewall and a grinding base, the grinding baseextending outwardly from the grinding sidewall; wherein, when thegrinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewall ispositioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the firstsidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first andsecond sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.
 7. The frame assembly ofclaim 6, wherein the grinding sidewall overlies at least 50% of thefirst sidewall of the frame.
 8. The frame assembly of claim 6, furthercomprising a first removable sidewall located between the first sidewallof the frame and the grinding sidewall.
 9. The frame assembly of claim8, wherein the first removable sidewall is formed of metal and thegrinding member is formed of plastic.
 10. The frame assembly of claim 8,wherein the first sidewall of the frame has a recess sized and shaped toreceive at least a portion of the first removable sidewall.
 11. Theframe assembly of claim 8, wherein the first removable sidewall has anupper extension protruding therefrom, the upper extension beingconfigured to engage the top of the frame.
 12. The frame assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the top of the frame has a recess that is sized andshaped to receive at least a portion of the upper extension.
 13. Theframe assembly of claim 8, further comprising a second removablesidewall attached to the frame adjacent the second sidewall of the framesuch that the frame is positioned between the first removable sidewalland the second removable sidewall.
 14. The frame assembly of claim 6,further comprising mounting holes located in the grinding sidewall andbeing positioned such that the grinding member is attached to the frameby axles that are inserted through the mounting holes and which providesupport to the wheels.
 15. The frame assembly of claim 14, wherein: thefirst sidewall of the frame has access holes through which the mountsare inserted; and the first removable sidewall has an inner surface andwheel spacers, the inner surface being oriented toward the frame, thewheel spacers extending outwardly from the inner surface and being sizedand shaped to extend through the access holes of the frame such that thewheel spacers prevent the wheels from contacting the frame.
 16. Theframe assembly of claim 14, further comprising means for preventing thewheels from contacting the frame.
 17. An assembly for modifying anin-line skate, the in-line skate having a frame, a boot and wheels, bothof which are mounted to the frame, the frame having first and secondsidewalls, a top wall and a bottom, the first and second sidewalls beingspaced from each other, the top wall extending between the sidewalls andbeing attached to the boot, said assembly comprising: a grinding memberconfigured for removable attachment to the frame, the grinding memberhaving a grinding sidewall and a grinding base, the grinding baseextending outwardly from the grinding sidewall; wherein, when thegrinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewall ispositioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the firstsidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first andsecond sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.
 18. The assembly ofclaim 17, wherein the grinding sidewall has mounting holes positionedsuch that the grinding member is attached to the frame by axles that areinserted through the mounting holes and which provide support to thewheels.
 19. The assembly of claim 17, further comprising a firstremovable sidewall located between the first sidewall of the frame andthe grinding sidewall; wherein the first removable sidewall is formed ofmetal and the grinding member is formed of plastic.
 20. The assembly ofclaim 19, further comprising a second removable sidewall attached to theframe adjacent the second sidewall of the frame such that the frame ispositioned between the a first removable sidewall and the secondremovable sidewall; wherein the second removable sidewall is formed ofmetal; and wherein the grinding member, the first removable sidewall andthe second removable sidewall are attached to the frame by axles thatare inserted through the mounting holes and which provide support to thewheels.
 21. A frame assembly for use with an in-line skate, the in-lineskate having a boot and axle-mounted wheels, the boot having mountingholes spaced from each other on a bottom portion thereof, said frameassembly comprising: a frame configured for attachment to the bottomportion of the boot, the frame having first and second sidewalls, a topwall and a bottom; the first and second sidewalls being spaced from eachother; the top wall extending between the sidewalls and having framemounting holes extending from an outside surface of the top wall to aninside surface of the top wall, the frame mounting holes being sized andshaped to receive bolts for securing the boot to the frame; and aremovable reinforcing member having a bolt mounting hole formedtherethrough, the reinforcing member being located on the inner surfaceof the top wall such that, when a bolt is inserted through the boltmounting hole and one of the frame mounting holes of the top wall, thebolt mounting hole is aligned with the one of the frame mounting holes.22. The frame assembly of claim 21, wherein the bolt mounting hole has asmaller diameter than that of the frame mounting hole.
 23. The frameassembly of claim 21, wherein the bolt mounting hole is defined, atleast in part, by a beveled surface that is configured to flush mountthe bolt.
 24. The frame assembly of claim 21, further comprising: agrinding member removably attached to the frame, the grinding memberhaving a grinding sidewall and a grinding base, the grinding baseextending outwardly from the grinding sidewall; wherein, when thegrinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewall ispositioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the firstsidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first andsecond sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.